((( BIG EDEN ))) continues here.........
Posted by ANN on 5/21/2001, 3:30 pm
Hi all...... Here we are, back under the big Montana sky if you will,
try and visualize the vast snowcapped mountains in the distance, a clear
crystal lake, and the tall alpine green pine trees towering over. Snuggled
within are the cozy log home cabins, perhaps with fireplaces going, and
a small enough town that holds a people with genuine interest in one another!
Unfortunately, since I've only viewed the film one time, it later came
to my attention that I missed telling of a scene which I felt holds great
importance. Thus, I'll have to back tract a bit, then will continue on
with what Pike wore to Henrys. A scene with fireworks and celebration,
and then the fact that Pike had not attended, but stayed on to keep Grandpa
Sam company, after delivering another of his delicious creative dinners!
It's a night scene and a pick up truck arrives at the house. Henry struggling
within, still having his longtime attraction to Dean, and with an effort
to depart the vehicle. Dean in his own agony, looking back in the truck
to get a glimpse of his two young sons, fast asleep. Dean sees an opportunity
here, and goes after Henry. They are together now at the front door. Their
eyes meet, the camera focuses
on arms slowly meeting, hands following up, into a long awaited embrace.
Coming up the walkway to this same area, is Pike wheeling Grandpa Sam's
wheelchair. Camera is now focused on a tall, kindhearted young man, caught
in a web of perplexity, witnessing with Grandpa, the two men. The look
on Pike's face is one of shock,
( I myself, could almost feel a dagger pierce the heart of Pike), followed
by an un-mistaken look of disappointment as he lowers his head in silence.
All of this is just more of shock to Grandpa. I do apologize
for having to backtrack, and I had left you last with a scene of Pike
rummaging through his closet in hopes of finding the perfect attire to
spark some attention from Henry. Well........ you guessed it, Pike had
no problem in
choosing the most flattering bright red shirt, so crispy and new, so
tailored looking. Here in another night scene, cozy log cabin, Grandpa
is asleep you remember. Two new acquaintances, sharing a dinner, some thoughts,
and Pike finally realizing he has to speak, that his shyness is interfering
with friendship. After some talk, Pike goes into a delightful story, he
presents to Henry. (This story, is not exactly clear, yet the viewer somehow
knows that Pike is referring to those of Native peoples). Pike tells of
a painting, it was mainly light blue, with what resembled stars. He speaks
of little people who were hungry, had empty bellies, and found their way
high into the sky. A sort of Native fairy tale! In my opinion, it is best
that when you view this film, you really were not told the entire contents
of the story, so that you might drift in thought of what Pike is saying,
and come to your own conclusion! Nevertheless, Henry is impressed now,
and finds it difficult to focus on anything but the soft yet piercing eyes,
of this gentle, and powerful stranger. These two new friends, suddenly
locked into intrigue, finally
getting into deeper conversation, as interest arouses within each of
them. *** (I highly recommend, that you take a moment when it's convenient,
and go to www.bigeden.com). Please pull up the photos page, and look through
the photos. Each one is explained. It makes for a great help in you being
able to visualize the scenes I'm describing. You will see the one scene
of Pike and henry at dinner.... middle row, fifth photo down. Also, the
next scene I'm about to describe, is Thanksgiving, and try to focus on
the beautiful bountiful table setting. This was the most impressive table
to my husband and I! Thanksgiving scene, middle row, sixth 6th, photo down!
Henry, finally convinces Pike to join family and friends for a Thanksgiving
Dinner celebration! Pike however, does accept. Laughter abounds with the
audience once again, as the eyes log onto every person! Pike staring deep
into Henry's eyes, Henry returning the look, and Grace, Dean and other
guests all caught on the cameras focus. Each with their own suspicion,
including Grandpa who notices Henry and Pike! LOL The homemade pies alone
will have you wanting to crash into this celebration!
((( BIG EDEN))) the conclusion
Posted by ANN on 5/21/2001, 9:49 pm
We left off with the scene at Thanksgiving.......... Thanksgiving festivities
still going on, the joy and merriment of the company together. However,
Dean and Henry finally able to break away, and seek the privacy of what
appeared to be a back room pantry. There they can talk, away from the other
s with the solitude they need to once again find their refuge in each others
arms. Only locked now in deeper embrace, their eyes meet, and so do their
lips. A moment so special to them, so long awaited for, yet knowing that
someone could enter at any given moment. They break away. The scene changes,
when Henry re-approaches the crowded room, and the daggering, piercing
eyes of Pike meets with his. Almost as if Pike knew what was happening
just behind that wall. A jealousy in Pike so to speak. Then shows Pike
making fast, and very nervous moves, and the need to excuse himself, repeating,
"I have to go. "Henry is torn, what to do with those sentimental feelings
held onto for so long for his beloved friend Dean, and now these new unexpected
feelings for this tall, attractive Native that seems to take his breath
away. You'll find your in Grandpa's living room, and Henry is sitting aside
him on
the sofa. They become involved in deep conversation, all the while
the viewer knows that Grandpa has caught on. Henry, troubled deeply, and
the need to talk with his Grandfather has made it's way. The key statement
that Grandpa Sam makes "I hope I never taught you to be ashamed." Thus
Henry can hold back no longer, and your heart seems to melt with compassion,
as Henry rushes into his Grandfathers arms in sobs and tears. The scenes
just appear to change, and the next moment you're at Pike's store again
with the old coots, keeping the audience in laughter with their remarks
and gestures, as comedy continues. One night Henry returns home to find
Pike still there, Grandpa Sam is out of sight. Pike sitting with a melancholy
look, quiet, and sort of unresponsive. Henry approaches Pike with question
of Grandpa, if I recall, and he's lead to Grandpa's room by Pike, to find
that his Grandfather had passed away in bed. Oh, but the shock, the panic,
the hurt, all the emotions that suddenly hit, and you see Henry finally
fall into the compassionate embrace of Pike there, ready to catch him.
A desperate moment passes, and Grace somehow appears, and you feel the
love and understanding of a longtime friend of both men, as Grace takes
both Pike and Henry in her arms. Well along comes Mary Margaret (friend/coworker
from New York) on the scene, has arrived with her new baby. This gal is
quite a sassafras lady, and will give you some laughs with her remarks!
Here for the Funeral and Henry. After Grandpa passes away, Henry again
decides to leave. Henry had made his Painting of the Stars a gift to Pike,
(that Pike told the story of). Pike had
hung the painting over his bed. Henry is torn apart with Grandpa passing,
and still unsure of himself with is feelings for both Dean and Pike. One
night Henry goes over to Pike's wanting to say "Good-bye" to him. However,
such a strange scene when Pike hides behind the curtain of the door window,
pretending not to be home. Pike is hiding, and just can't bring himself
to say good-bye to his new found interest and friend. Henry calls out to
him, but Pike never responds. A scene follows, next day and Pike realizes
he just has to get to Henry before he departs. Pike jumps into his truck
and rushes to the Airport in a desperation to stop Henry. He runs through
crowds and makes his way to the gate where Henry's plane is just about
to leave. With every bit of energy and power within this desperate man,
Pike lunges forth with full force of his entire body and the most demanding
loud shriek.... a breakthrough of the attendants and airport authority.
He gets through only to find, he's just too late. Henry's plane has just
pulled away. Hurt, alone, and heartbroken Pike returns to his General store.
As he approaches, here is an unusual crowd of towns people all there, Grace,
Widow Thayer, all the old nosey coots, sitting around smiling. As Pike
looks on he notices one head peeks out that had been out of his view. Who,
but none other than Henry! Ah yes, the biggest smiles you ever seen followed
by laughter! The
towns people had joined in effort, showing their love, to try and help
out two of their friends and citizens! Final scene: There's a dance, everyone
embraced by a dance partner flowing to the mellow music as the camera brings
you to one couple in particular. With happy smiles, and eyes gazing into
one anther's all in a dancing embrace is Henry and Pike, not hidden, but
out in the open amongst true friends. Their eyes aglow, and locked in embrace,
their faces come closer and their lips finally meet. A deep, sensuous,
and passionate kiss that is held in time, and the camera goes to each side,
directly focused on Pike's mouth that opens and seals onto the lips of
Henry, as they danced into the night. THE END
Mariann had mentioned to me, that she'd like my opinion along with my
recollection of the film. *** Please know that I have given my time, and
my best effort in writing this review of Big Eden for you, in hopes that
it may help to satisfy some curiosity in what the film is about. Especially
for some of you that may not be able to view this film for quite some time.
In my opinion, this was a story of love, unconditional love, from family,
friends, and townspeople. With my being a Christian and a heterosexual,
and married nearly 30 years to a man I truly love, I had a very hard time
in being able to handle the "kiss" in the final scene. (I thought to myself,
Eric must have had to continuously remind himself that this is a job, and
he has to give it his best shot. Ladies, he did! Both my husband and I
felt Eric did a remarkable job in what his work entailed!) |
